Research Technician

The Hata Lab in the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong scientific background for a full-time laboratory research technician position. Research within the Hata Lab focuses on discovering mechanisms of drug resistance in lung cancer patients treated with targeted therapies and developing new therapies to overcome them. We seek to answer pressing clinical questions through patient-centered biological exploration. Our approach prioritizes the use of novel tumor models generated directly from patient tumor specimens for deep mechanistic investigation, with the goal of rapidly translating our laboratory findings into clinical trials. More information about the Hata Lab can be found at: https://hatalab.mgh.harvard.edu.
The candidate will assist with basic and translational research projects under the supervision of a post-doctoral research instructor, as well as Dr. Hata (PI). This project aims to identify T cell immunity against ALK, a fusion oncogene driver in a portion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other cancers. ALK positive tumors inevitably develop resistance to current therapies yet ALK is not expressed in adults, so ALK specific T cell receptors could form the rational basis for a cellular treatment, orthogonal to small molecule inhibition. This role includes preparing and performing laboratory experiments, potentially assisting with in vivo animal experiments, collection and documentation of procedures and results, analyzing data, and assisting with manuscript preparation.
This position is ideal for a recent college graduate looking to expand their laboratory research skills in a translational research setting and while making contributions to the rapidly-evolving field of cancer immunotherapeutics. This opportunity is designed to provide an enhanced experience for prospective graduate (PhD) and medical (MD, MD/PhD) students and provides excellent opportunities for leadership and career development, as well as co-authorship on manuscripts. Previous experience in an immunology or cancer research lab, working with mammalian cell culture, or working with mice is not required, however undergraduate research experience in a biologically relevant field is strongly preferred. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who is highly motivated, detail-oriented, and works well both independently and on a team.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Stimulating, culturing, and assaying T cells/lines for activation and quantification (e.g. by ELISpot and flow cytometry)
• Mammalian tissue culture techniques including cell line maintenance, drug-treatment, cryopreservation, etc.
• Basic molecular biology including plasmid construction, nucleic acid purification, DNA sequencing, and PCR.
• Coordinating with clinical research staff and extracting immune cells from blood and other samples
  • Potentially in vivo evaluation of the sensitivity of different lung cancer models to T cell killing, including establishment of tumor xenografts, drug treatment, assessment of tumor response and harvesting of tumor tissue
  • Organization and maintenance of written and electronic records of samples, experimental procedures and data generated
  • Generation and interpretation of experimental results; assisting in the preparation and editing of manuscripts resulting from data generated in research projects
  • Participation in weekly lab meetings and joint translation project meetings with laboratory and clinical project teams
  • Responsibility for ordering common laboratory reagents and general lab maintenance

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors of Science or similar degree in biological sciences
  • Prior laboratory research experience with demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies
  • Evidence or prior demonstration of leadership and organizational skills
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

The Research Technician should also possess:

• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve problems
• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
• Attention to detail in experimental techniques and record-keeping
• Working knowledge of data management programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team

The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
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